Peter Obi Reacts To NUC’s Directive To Shut Down Universities For 2023 Elections

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) Peter Obi has commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) over its directive of shutting down all universities and inter-university centres in the country ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Naija News reports that the NUC issued the directive in a letter addressed to all Vice-Chancellors and Chief Executives of Inter-University Centres, and signed by Chris J. Maivaki, the NUC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration).

The Universities will be closed from February 22 to March 14.

Reacting to the development, Obi via his verified Twitter handle on Thursday night, appreciated the university commission over the directive, saying the students will be able to participate in the polls and exercise their constitutional rights.

He tweeted: “I heartily welcome the decision of the National Universities Commission (NUC), to close universities ahead of the 2023 general elections. So as to enable the students participate in the polls and exercise their constitutional rights to vote.”

2023 Election Is For The Youths

In January, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), revealed that youths within the age bracket of 18-34 constitute the highest percentage of registered voters in the country, with 39.65% (more than 37 million people). Middle-aged voters (35-49) also accounted for 33,413,591, representing 35.75% of the total registered voters.

In the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) data released by the electoral body which covers the period from 28th June 2021 to 31st July 2022, INEC also revealed that the youth had the highest number of new registered voters. Out of 9.5 million voters who registered within that period, 7.2 million were youths.